Waiting on a background check can be frustrating for both organizations and applicants. A delayed screening can slow hiring, onboarding, and volunteer placement, especially during peak seasons. The good news is that most delays have clear causes and practical solutions. This guide explains what to do when a background check is delayed and how to reduce future delays.
A background check is considered delayed when it takes longer than the typical 1-3 business days to return results.
Delays do not necessarily mean there is a problem with the applicant. In most cases, they are caused by factors outside the control of the applicant or employer.
Typical components affected by delays include:
Court system overview: https://www.ncsc.org
Many counties still require in-person courthouse research, which slows turnaround times.
Holidays, weather events, and staffing shortages can significantly delay court access.
Applicants with common names may require additional verification to avoid record mismatches.
Typos in names, SSNs, or birthdates often require re-runs or manual review.
These checks rely on third-party responses, which can take days or weeks.
Foreign records take longer to verify due to differing legal systems.
Not all parts of a background check are delayed. Ask your provider which component is pending.
Understanding the cause helps determine next steps.
Transparency reduces frustration. Let applicants know:
Clear communication improves candidate experience.
Avoid making hiring decisions before results are complete.
FCRA compliance requires decisions to be based on finalized reports
Some organizations allow conditional starts with restrictions.
This may include:
Always consult legal counsel before proceeding.
Reputable providers offer:
Avoid vendors that provide no visibility.
Keep records of:
Documentation protects against compliance issues.
Providers with established researcher networks return results faster.
Double-check names, SSNs, and addresses before submitting.
Tell candidates background checks typically take 1-3 days but may take longer.
Plan around major holidays when courts are closed.
Continuous monitoring reduces the need for frequent re-checks.
Organizations that handle delays well gain:
HR hiring process research:
https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/talent-acquisition/pages/default.aspx
Bchex minimizes delays by offering:
Bchex helps organizations stay informed throughout the screening process.
A delayed background check doesn’t have to derail your hiring process. By understanding the cause, communicating clearly, and working with a reliable provider, organizations can manage delays while staying compliant.
Dealing with frequent background check delays?
Bchex delivers fast, accurate screening with clear visibility to help keep hiring on track.
Q: Does a delayed background check mean something is wrong?
No - most delays are caused by court or verification issues.
Q: How long is too long for a background check?
Anything beyond 5-7 business days should prompt a provider follow-up.
Q: Can I hire someone before the background check is complete?
Only in limited, conditional circumstances and with legal guidance.
Q: Can applicants speed up the process?
Providing accurate information helps prevent delays.
Q: Which background checks take the longest?
County criminal searches and employment verifications are most common.